US Military Refuels Planes Relocated from Israel's Ben Gurion Airport

The Hebrew network "i24" reported, citing informed sources, that the US military has started reducing the presence of its refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport. This move follows an Israeli request to increase the capacity for civilian planes at the airport in preparation for the upcoming summer peak season.

The network clarified that this step does not represent a reduction in US forces in the Middle East nor a decrease in American military deployment in the region. It noted that the aircraft relocated from Ben Gurion were stationed elsewhere and remain present within the area.

Sources confirmed that the number of US military planes in the region will remain unchanged even if Washington decides to take action against Iran in the absence of an agreement.

This adjustment comes amid growing concerns within the Israeli aviation sector about its impact on flight schedules for July and August.

According to the network, the presence of dozens of US refueling planes at Ben Gurion Airport had caused unusual pressure on parking spaces, making it difficult to accommodate civilian aircraft, especially those belonging to foreign companies aiming to expand or renew their operations in Israel.

On Tuesday, Transportation Minister Merav Regev stated, "Out of 75 planes, 24 have been evacuated, which is excellent, and this allowed us to continue managing civil aviation."

Regev added that despite the partial evacuation, a significant number of US planes still remain at the airport.

She affirmed that the Israeli Ministry of Transportation holds near-daily discussions with Israeli military officials, the Defense Minister, and the National Security Council to continue evacuating refueling aircraft from the airport, explaining, "In July and August, we need to manage civil aviation traffic."

In this context, Sharon Kidmi, Director General of the Airports Authority, warned weeks ago that if a swift solution to the parking crisis at Ben Gurion Airport is not found, airlines might begin canceling their scheduled flights during the summer and the Tishrei holiday.

Kidmi pointed out that dozens of US cargo planes parked at Ben Gurion and Ramon airports could result in a quarter of passengers receiving cancellation notices for their flights.